Chapter 6

The birthday banquet was held at the most luxurious hotel in the city, and every detail reflected extravagant luxury. The backdrop was adorned with tens of thousands of roses, while countless gift boxes were stacked throughout the ballroom. Even the gown Joshua had prepared for Sheila was embellished with priceless crystal stones that shimmered beneath the lights.

The guests could not stop admiring the spectacle.

"They say wealthy families rarely produce devoted husbands, but just look at Mr. Stewart."

"The way he spoils Mrs. Stewart is enough to make anyone jealous."

"Exactly. They grew up together, they're a perfect match, and they've been in love for years.

You couldn't find a more perfect couple."

Some guests even walked over to flatter Sheila in person.

"Mrs. Stewart, you're so lucky. Mr. Stewart loves you with all his heart. We're all so jealous."

She turned toward the speaker. Her eyes were slightly red, and she smiled.

However, the smile never reached her eyes.

"Yes. A sincere heart is incredibly precious.

"That's why anyone who betrays a sincere heart never ends well."

Her expression was so serious that the nearby guests froze for a moment.

Joshua and Max stiffened as well. The two exchanged uneasy glances, almost wondering whether she had somehow discovered the truth.

Soon it was time to blow out the birthday candles.

Everyone gathered around Sheila, singing "Happy Birthday" and eagerly urging her to make a wish.

Joshua gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before kneeling beside her.

"Go ahead, Sheila. Make your wish."

Looking at the hopeful faces surrounding her, Sheila folded her hands and slowly closed her eyes.

"My first wish… I hope my legs recover as soon as possible.

"My second wish… I hope the rest of my life will be filled with freedom and happiness.

"My third wish… I hope the people I never want to see again will disappear from my world forever."

Thunderous applause filled the ballroom.

To everyone else, her wishes seemed unremarkable. Only Joshua and Max understood their meaning, and the smiles on their faces faltered.

For the first time ever, not a single one of Sheila's birthday wishes was about them.

Every previous year, she had wished for Joshua's health and for Max to grow up safe and happy.

This was the first birthday when every wish was only for herself.

Sensing that something was wrong, the father and son hurried to explain themselves.

"Sheila, what's wrong? Are you upset because I haven't been spending enough time with you lately? The company has a very important project right now. I've been so busy with work that I've neglected you.

"However, once this is over, I'll stay by your side, okay?"

Max quickly joined in. "Mom, I just started kindergarten. I've had so much homework so I couldn't spend time with you.

"Please don't be mad at Dad and me, okay?"

She looked down at the father and son. Their eyes shifted uneasily beneath her gaze.

She said nothing.

Busy.

Yes, they had been busy these past few days, preparing for Joshua and Cecilia's wedding.

At that moment, Cecilia finally arrived. She walked over with a gift in her hands and offered it to Sheila.

"Ms. Jenkins, I'm so sorry I'm late. I've been busy planning my wedding with my boyfriend these past few days. I hope you won't hold it against me."

Sheila looked at her calmly. "Ms. Zeller, since when did you have a boyfriend? I've never heard you mention him."

A faint blush appeared on Cecilia's cheeks. "We've been together for many years. We just never made our relationship public."

Sheila's fingers slowly tightened around the armrest of her wheelchair. After a long pause, she simply nodded.

"Congratulations. When's the wedding?"

Cecilia smiled brightly. "One week from now."

Before Sheila could say another word, Joshua stepped in and interrupted the conversation.

"The fireworks are about to start.

"Sheila, how about I take you outside to watch them?"